Pennsylvania Off-Site Gambling a Threat to Atlantic City?

Pennsylvania is considering the expansion of slots and internet gambling by placing machines in bars and restaurants. Atlantic City's long-awaited turnaround seems to have started. Is this a new threat for AC?

Gaming expert Roger Gros, publisher of Global Gaming Business Magazine, says there is plenty of opposition in that state from Pennsylvania casinos.

"I doubt if you will see all of this stuff (in Pennsylvania) get to the governor's desk. It is going to be changed markedly if it even reaches it."

"The (Pennsylvania) House has passed a bill that was very different from the bill that the state Senate passed. So what you are seeing stipulated in the House bill, and in the state Senate bill in Pennsylvania, for that matter, will change markedly. We really have to see what the final version of the bill is and whether the governor will sign it."

Gros says that further expansion into bars and restaurants "would be questionable."

"But we are not talking about any new casino. So I think that is not going to impact Atlantic City that greatly any more."

Gros also suggests that this internet gambling expansion could actually benefit both states.

"If New Jersey and Pennsylvania should create a compact allowing them to share players, that would be very good for the market."

There is already a deal between Nevada and Delaware for their online gaming.

"Basically it is where you're gambling from, the taxes will go to that state."